Fulham continue manager search as Martin Jol stays at Ajax
This morning, Fulham were still under the impression they’d found the ideal replacement for Roy Hodgson in the form of Dutch coach Martin Jol.
But by noon, it was revealed that the Cottagers had been led up the proverbial garden path, as the former Tottenham manager pledged his short-term future to Ajax.
The news comes as a bitter blow to Fulham, who must now search for another suitable manager in time for the start of the new season. Jol had seriously considered Fulham’s offer, and even told Ajax that he wanted to join the Premier League outfit, but after assurances over finances, the Dutchman confirmed: "Ajax let me know they didn't want me to go. I don't think I can leave at this time."
The 54-year-old had agreed personal terms with Fulham earlier this week, but the iconic Eredivisie outfit were h**l-bent on keeping their manager, and refused to discuss the ins-and-outs of a potential compensation deal.
Fulham’s chairman Mohammed Al Fayed will know better than anyone that a Premier League manager doesn’t necessarily have to be a big name in order to deliver success. The decision to bring in Hodgson back in December 2007 was low-key, but undoubtedly proved a shrewd bit of business.
Perhaps the Cottagers’ owner will be tempted to go down a similar route this time around. And if the markets are to be believed, Hodgson’s replacement could well be Cardiff City boss Dave Jones. The 53-year-old is a wily tactician, calm but certainly no-nonsense, and is rather like Fulham’s most recent manager in many ways.
Complete with previous experience of managing in the Premier League with Southampton and Wolves, Jones’ appointment might not set pulses racing at Craven Cottage, but the Fulham faithful will know that this isn’t always a bad thing.
Among the other candidates include Sven-Göran Eriksson - an entirely different proposition to Jones. The former England manager is reportedly considering a deal to stay on as Ivory Coast manager; although if the offer from west London was attractive enough, you could bet your bottom dollar that Eriksson would jump at the chance.
However, based on his recent track record, and his controversial moments away from the touchline, perhaps Fulham would be best off leaning towards a safer option.
Along with Eriksson, Alan Curbishley is also in the frame for his third job in football management. Synonymous with his 15 years at Charlton Athletic, the 52-year-old was last seen keeping West Ham’s heads above water at the end of the 2007/08 campaign.
Now keen to return to management, Curbishley wouldn’t be a bad choice of manager by any means – nor a particularly exciting one. He would provide security and loyalty, though.
Arguably the best possible outcome for the Fulham faithful would be if Al Fayed can somehow lure Mark Hughes to the club. Having been out of work since last December, when he was dismissed as Manchester City boss, the 46-year-old ambitious Welshman is waiting for an opportunity to manage a top-10 Premier League side again. One suspects that he’ll have few better chances than this.
Certainly, securing Hughes as Hodgson’s successor would be met with universal appreciation at Craven Cottage - but his salary demands could prove a stumbling block for the club.
There will be frustration and a sense of bitterness having missed out on Jol. Unfortunately for the Cottagers, yet another U-turn from the Ajax coach would now appear to be out of the question.
It’s now down to Al Fayed and the rest of the Fulham board to find the second-best man for the job.
Do they stick to a safe, reliable English manager in the hope they can replicate the achievements of Hodgson? If so, Jones or Curbishley fit the bill.
Or do they push the boat out and bring in a manager with the ability to take them to the next level? Never mind Eriksson, Hughes will be the man Fulham could now have their sights set on.
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